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to James Kelly

Informs Kelly that the common belief in the eastern United States that the Mormons have become quiet and peaceable is wrong. He attributes their continued belligerence to a belief that they can bully the government into bending to their demands...

GLC04194.10

to James Kelly

Describes a Christmas dinner party he gave, mostly for men from the Medical Corps. Two or three balls were given, but Moore chose not to attend because he considers Mormon women dumb and unattractive. Discusses the Mormon block to holding court for...

GLC04194.11

to James Kelly

Discusses his travel to Provo, Utah, on a pleasure excursion, but fear of conflict between the troops stationed there and the Mormons resulted in General Johnson [Johnston?] ordering in 1000 troops and calling Moore to duty. Mentions Bishop Johnson...

GLC04194.14

to Mary Kelly

Moore reports that the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857, where one hundred and seventeen men, women, and children were killed, was "done to avenge the death of Parley P. Pratt." Tells how the Mormons have appropriated the property of those killed...

GLC04194.15

to Mary Kelly

Informs Kelly that Jacob Forney, the Indian agent, brought the sixteen children who survived the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857 into Salt Lake City a few days before. Explains that the children have confirmed the widely held belief that the...

GLC04194.16

to James Kelly

Gives graphic details of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. Is disgusted that the Mormons "claim remuneration" for maintaining and paying ransom to the Indians for the surviving children. Reports that the Indians claim Bishop John D. Lee raped...

GLC04194.17

to Mary Kelly

Discusses his deep hatred of the Mormons in inflammatory language. Mentions that the sixteen children who survived the Mountain Meadows Massacre are to be sent to their relatives in a few days. He is stunned to read in the Deseret News that the...

GLC04194.18

to Mary Kelly

Describes the Mormon view of polygamy articulated by Orson Pratt and condemns polygamy. Asks why the national government permits "such a people to be not only tolerated but furnished with the means of growing rich beyond that of any portion of the...

GLC04194.21

to Mary Kelly

Describes being out with dragoons in pursuit of Indians who have committed robberies on the Emigrant Road. In spite of the vigilance of the troops, "two or three small trains have been robbed and burnt, and some twelve or fifteen people, men, women...

GLC04194.24

to Mary Kelly

Discusses cold temperatures, the dancing that goes on at the balls at camp, and the numerous stores and saloons. Condemns the 15 October 1859 seizure of the arsenal at Harper's Ferry by John Brown, and hopes it does not distract politicians from...

GLC04194.26

to Mary Kelly

Discusses lawlessness in Utah. Moore reports that an opponent of Bill Hickman, a Mormon who was shot and Moore was treating, was murdered in Hickman's home. A group of Hickman's supporters committed the crime; one took the blame and the others...

GLC04194.28

to Mary Kelly

Explains that some of the troops stationed in Utah are to return to the east, but he will remain for a time. Comments that the Mormons are sad to be losing the market and the refuge from those straying from the church. Moore hopes to return east in...

GLC04194.29

to Mary Kelly

Reports that the troops marching east will do so in four columns. A training area for teamsters has been set up. Mentions that Judge Eckles will travel to the east at the end of the month, and disparages him for his scandalous relationships with...

GLC04194.30

to Mary Kelly

Reports that he has been ordered to accompany the dragoons, who are going out to protect the Emigrant Road. He will camp near Fort Hall, or Lewis Fork of the Columbia River, in Oregon. He is to be sent because the only other doctor had been sent...

GLC04194.31

to James Kelly

Explains that two thirds of the forces with him are out constantly escorting emigrants. Many of the travelers are extremely ignorant, and some sell their weapons to the "very Indians that lay an ambuscade for them at the first canyon they pass...

GLC04194.32

to Mary Kelly

Reports that there have been "no Indian troubles" around Fort Hall yet, and that the emigration is nearly over. Estimates 3,000 people have passed over the road near him and "probably twice that number over the road through Salt Lake and Camp Floyd...

GLC04194.33

to Mary Kelly

Hopes Abraham Lincoln has been elected. Mentions a speech by Brigham Young on the possible return of the Mormons to Missouri. Written at Camp Floyd.

GLC04194.34

to editor of the Bloomington Republican

Copy of a letter to the editor of the Bloomington Republican that Moore included in a 6 November 1860 letter to his sister in Bloomington, Indiana (GLC04194.34). Written at Camp Floyd.

GLC04194.35

to Mary Kelly

Discusses balls, dramatic representations, and social meetings in camp: the first officer's ball of the season occurred last week, but soldiers' balls occur two or three times per week; dramatic representations occur twice weekly; social meetings...

GLC04194.36

to Mary Kelly

Reports that New Year's Day passed enjoyably in the camp, where the "New York custom of calling on all your friends" was maintained. Although they "hear a good deal about secession, etc., it doesn't seem to oppress or weigh heavily on the spirits of...

GLC04194.37

to Mary Kelly

Discusses secession. Wishes South Carolina could leave the Union, and laments its power to rent the nation. Forcefully criticizes the leadership of President James Buchanan. Hopes President Abraham Lincoln will be prepared for the coming conflict...

GLC04194.38

to Mary Kelly

Mentions that Camp Floyd, named for John B. Floyd, has been changed to Camp Crittenden so that they will "not perpetuate the name of that arch traitor." Hopes that President Abraham Lincoln does not waver on the issue of re-supplying Fort Sumter...

GLC04194.39

to his mother and sisters

Written while at a stop near Devils Gate while traveling east to Bluff City, Tennessee from Utah with a wagon train. Discusses various aspects of travel, camp, and life on the trail. Describes the perils of river crossings, particularly the...

GLC05493.01

to Samuel Russell

Three letters on one sheet from Sallie Russell, Belle Russell, and Pennie Russell to their brother, who had left Salt Lake City on the overland trail. Sallie provides family news. She also discusses the force amassing to confront the Morrisites (a...

GLC05493.02

to her sister

Written to her sister in the Mormon church, not by blood. Discusses family news and her desire to move to Utah. She lacks the means to make the journey and asks if money could be sent to her. She comments: "I hear Brigham Young is the wealthiest...

GLC05493.04